Congresswoman visits Leavenworth, seeking fourth term

Lynn Jenkins said she still has a lot of work to do, and that's why she's seeking another term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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By John Richmeierjrichmeier@leavenworthtimes.com

The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS

By John Richmeierjrichmeier@leavenworthtimes.com

Posted Jun. 7, 2014 at 8:00 AM

By John Richmeierjrichmeier@leavenworthtimes.com

Posted Jun. 7, 2014 at 8:00 AM

Lynn Jenkins said she still has a lot of work to do, and that's why she's seeking another term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Jenkins, a Republican from Topeka, said jobs and the economy are her most important focuses as she seeks a fourth term in Kansas' Second Congressional District, which includes Leavenworth County.

She said one thing Congress can do to help is reform the federal tax code.

"It has not been reformed in 26 years," she said.

She said the country has the highest corporate tax rate in the world, which is not an incentive to do business in the U.S.

"We need to be competitive once again," she said.

Jenkins, 50, said she can't find one American who defends the tax code.

Jenkins, who is a certified public accountant, said she has seen the tax code become increasingly complex.

Jenkins said she would like to see the tax code simplified so people can file their own returns on a two-page form.

The congresswoman will face a challenger, Joshua Joel Tucker, in the Aug. 5 Republican primary. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Margie Wakefield and Libertarian Chris Clemmons in the Nov. 4 general election.

"I always enjoy a good campaign," Jenkins said.

She visited Leavenworth on Friday and met with members of the public at Leavenworth City Hall. She later toured two local businesses.

Jenkins said businesses can't be asked to make investments if they don't have confidence in the economy.

She said the federal government needs to get its fiscal house in order by keeping spending in check and balancing the budget.

"Medicare is probably the largest driver of the debt," she said.

She said she wants to save the program for current retirees and future generations.

"You can do that by reforming it," she said.

She cited health care and energy policy as other important platform issues.

Jenkins also said she supports funding the construction of an additional prison on the grounds of the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth.

She said the project is a priority of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

"All we need to do is secure the funding for it," she said.

Jenkins said the House has passed numerous bills to address some of the issues she discussed Friday, but they haven't been taken up in the Democratically-controlled Senate.

But, Jenkins said she won't simply see what happens in the Senate after the November election.